Mary Bidwell served as organist for the Faith for Today television program in New York City from 1960 to 1963. Mary was born in Athol, Massachusetts, and later moved to South Lancaster, where she attended South Lancaster Academy and Atlantic Union College. During academy and her first year of college, she studied organ with Dr. Melvin West - an experience that she thoroughly enjoyed. Her music kept her busy due to invitations to play for camp meetings, youth rallies, and other religious programs.

In December of 1960, a call was extended to Mary asking her to serve as organist/accompanist for Faith for Today which meant leaving Massachusetts and home, and moving to New York City. She found it to be an exciting experience as this was her first time to live in a large city. While there, she met Bert Haloviak, a printer and also a musician. The relationship grew and they were married by Elder William Fagal, Director and Speaker of Faith for Today, in June 1963 at the New York Center, half a block off of Times Square. Following their marriage the couple moved to the Washington, DC, area where Bert was then stationed in the army with the White Coat project.

Over the years, as well as holding the position of organist in her local Seventh-day Adventist church, Mary also served as organist for several other denominations including Methodist, Christian Science, Presbyterian, and Lutheran. Bert and Mary also combined their love for music by playing the organ and piano for church services and special occasions such as weddings and receptions. Mary says, "As I look back over the years, I am very grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I’ve been privileged to have due to my love for music."

Bert and Mary have two adult children - Kendra, Assistant Professor in the School of Religion at La Sierra University in Riverside, California, and Brent, who teaches math and physics at Redlands Adventist Academy in Redlands, California. Their daughter-in-law, Kari, is also a teacher, but is presently a stay-at-home mom for two precious grandsons, Bryce Douglas and Dylan James.

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